june 2026 newsletter
a letter from our director
Dear Camp Tatiyee Supporters, Families, and Community,
Summer is in full swing at Camp Tatiyee, and our mountain is once again filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments. After months of preparation, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing campers arrive and begin creating memories that will last a lifetime.
One of those campers is Ellie, whose story you’ll read in this month’s newsletter. Like many children, Ellie arrived at camp feeling unsure and a little overwhelmed. But with patience, encouragement, and a community that welcomed her exactly as she was, she gradually found the confidence to step outside her comfort zone, build friendships, and discover new strengths within herself. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of why Camp Tatiyee exists.
You’ll also learn about one of our favorite creative programs: art. This summer, campers became comic book creators, bringing their imaginations to life through original stories and illustrations. Watching campers share their ideas, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s creativity was truly inspiring. The finished comic books became much more than art projects, they became keepsakes filled with memories and pride.
We are also proud to recognize Desert Diamond Casinos, whose long-standing support has helped make camp possible for countless Arizona children with special needs. Partnerships like theirs ensure that families never receive a bill for camp and that every child has the opportunity to experience the confidence, independence, and joy that Camp Tatiyee provides.
Finally, we invite you to consider becoming a monthly donor. Consistent support throughout the year helps us prepare for future camp seasons and ensures that more children like Ellie can experience the life-changing impact of camp, free of charge.
Thank you for being part of the Camp Tatiyee family. Whether you support camp through volunteering, donating, sharing our story, or simply cheering on our campers, you are helping create a place where children are accepted, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.
Yours in camping,
Pamela Swanson
Executive Director (Adult in Charge)
ellie finds her community
When Ellie first arrived at Lions Camp Tatiyee for our Intellectually Challenged School Age session, she was very quiet. New environments felt overwhelming, and it took time for her to feel comfortable around so many new faces. At the start of the week, Ellie often stayed close to counselors, observing more than participating and taking in everything around her.
Camp gave Ellie something she needed most: time and patience. There was no pressure for her to speak up, perform, or socialize before she was ready. Slowly, as she became familiar with the rhythm of camp and the people around her, Ellie began to open up, first in small ways and then more confidently.
Cooking became one of Ellie’s favorite programs. The structure of the kitchen, combined with the shared goal of making something together, gave her a comfortable way to connect with others. Archery was another highlight, offering her a chance to focus, try something new, and feel proud of herself. Group programs also played an important role, allowing Ellie to participate alongside others in a way that felt safe and supported.
Over time, Ellie formed close friendships with a small group of campers who understood her and met her with kindness. These connections helped her feel accepted and valued, and her confidence grew as she realized she didn’t have to change herself to belong. With encouragement from counselors and peers alike, Ellie began to smile more, speak up, and take part in activities she once hesitated to try.
Lions Camp Tatiyee provided Ellie with a space where she could be herself, a place where she was accepted, supported, and loved just as she was. Camp didn’t rush her growth; it allowed it to happen naturally.
By the end of the week, Ellie had stepped out of her shell in ways that felt meaningful and lasting. We’re incredibly proud of her courage and the connections she made, and we can’t wait to welcome her back to camp for more moments of confidence, friendship, and joy.
engaging cultural arts programs
At Camp Tatiyee, art is about much more than paint, markers, and paper. It is a chance for campers to express themselves, share their creativity, and discover that their ideas matter. This summer, campers participated in one of our most unique art projects yet: creating their very own comic books. Working individually and in small groups, campers developed characters, imagined adventures, and brought their stories to life through drawings and dialogue. The art room quickly filled with superheroes, silly sidekicks, magical creatures, and plenty of laughter.
Once the comics were complete, campers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite story. The winning comic was then printed for every camper to take home. Seeing a fellow camper’s imagination turned into a finished publication was exciting for everyone involved and showed campers that their creativity can inspire others.
Projects like this help campers build confidence while encouraging self-expression and teamwork. Every comic was different, but each one reflected the unique personality, humor, and imagination of the camper who created it.
At Camp Tatiyee, art provides a space where there are no wrong answers and every idea is worth exploring. Whether campers are drawing, painting, crafting, or creating comics, they are developing confidence, making connections, and discovering new ways to share their voice.
partner highlight: desert diamond casinos
Lions Camp Tatiyee is grateful for the continued support of Desert Diamond Casinos, a valued community partner that has helped make camp possible for children with special needs across Arizona for many years.
Through their generosity, Desert Diamond Casinos helps ensure that campers can experience a week filled with friendship, adventure, confidence-building, and independence, all completely free-of-charge to families. Their support helps remove financial barriers and opens the door to opportunities that many children may not otherwise have access to.
Every summer, campers arrive at Camp Tatiyee ready to make new friends, try new activities, and discover what they are capable of achieving. From racing around the go-kart track to creating artwork, performing in the talent show, and building lasting friendships, these experiences create memories that stay with campers long after they return home.
become a monthly supporter
At Lions Camp Tatiyee, your support makes everything we do possible. Now, we’re asking for just a few minutes of your time to help us better serve campers and families through our Donor Survey.
Your feedback helps us understand what inspires you to support Camp Tatiyee, what stories resonate most, and how we can continue sharing our impact in meaningful ways. Hearing directly from our community allows us to grow stronger, communicate better, and ensure we’re truly showing the difference your generosity makes.
We count on supporters like you to help guide our mission. Your insights let us know what we’re doing well and where we can improve, so we can continue building programs that change lives.
If you’ve ever wondered how your input can make a difference, this is one of the most powerful ways. Thank you for being part of the Camp Tatiyee family and for helping us tell our story better, together.